When using the controller that comes with the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X console, you may notice a long delay between your button presses and the actions that appear on your television screen or monitor.
You can check out this troubleshooting guide at Seeking Tech to see how to potentially fix the input lag issues.
Potential Fix #1: Enable Game Mode on TV
If you are playing your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X games on a television set, then the first step we recommend taking is to check to see if the TV’s game mode setting (or its equivalent) is enabled.
For the uninformed, the game mode is designed to reduce input lag when you are playing a videogame. You should be able to find this setting, if there is one available, in the menus of your television set.
Potential Fix #2: Enabling Auto Low-Latency Mode on Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X
Auto Low-Latency Mode is a new feature introduced in recent television sets that will automatically change the TV’s setting to game mode when you are playing a videogame.
To use this feature, first make sure that you enable ALLM support on your monitor or TV.
You then need to enable it on the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X by going to Settings > General > TV & display options > Video modes. Make sure that the box next to Allow auto-latency mode is checked.
Potential Fix #3: Remove Any HDMI Passthrough Devices
If you plug your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console into another device (such as a capture card or audio system) and then connect the other device to your monitor or TV, then it may cause latency issues.
So, if you want to reduce the lag, we recommend connecting your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console directly to your monitor or television set.
Potential Fix #4: Play at Higher Frame Rates
You should get lower input delay when you play a Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X game at higher frame rates.
Some modern games feature a performance mode where the frame rate is prioritized over visual fidelity. You should be able to find this visual mode in the in-game menus.
Some backwards compatible games also support FPS Boost on the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. This mode will let you play games at a higher frame rate than what was originally intended by the developer. To enable FPS Boost, you need to do the following:
- Go to My games & app > Games.
- Next, highlight the game you want to enable FPS Boost for and then press the Menu button on your controller.
- In the pop-up menu, select Manage game and add-ons.
- Finally, select Compatibility options.
- Make sure that the box next to the FPS boost setting is checked.
Potential Fix #5: Variable Refresh Rate
Variable Refresh Rate is a new feature that was added to many modern televisions and monitors. In addition to removing stutters and screen tears, it will also reduce input lag for your Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller.
To enable VRR, you need to do the following:
- Make sure that you enable Variable Refresh Rate support on your monitor or TV.
- On your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console, go to Settings > General > TV & display options > Video modes.
- Make sure that the box next to Allow variable refresh rate is checked.
Potential Fix #6: Disable Auto-HDR
Auto-HDR is an Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X feature that converts games that don’t display a HDR image into HDR. This process uses machine learning that may add extra latency to the converted games.
To disable this feature on your console, you need to take the following steps:
- Head to Settings > General > TV & display options > Video modes.
- Make sure that the box next to Auto HDR is unchecked.
Potential Fix #7: Download the Latest Patch for Game
A new patch for a videogame may help resolve its input lag issues. To manually update a game, you can do the following:
- Head to My games & app > Games.
- Highlight the game and then press the Menu button.
- In the pop-up menu, select Manage game and add-ons.
- Select Updates.
Potential Fix #8: Download the Latest Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X Firmware
Updating your console to the latest available firmware may also help fix your input lag problems.
To manually update your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X, go to Settings > System > Updates.
Potential Fix #9: Update Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X Controller Firmware
You can also try updating the firmware of your Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller, which you can do by taking the following steps:
- Go to Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories.
- Underneath the image of your controller, select the “…” option.
- Select the top option to update your gamepad.
Potential Fix #10: Download the Latest Firmware for TV or Monitor
Updating the firmware for your television set or monitor may also help reduce the input delay. To update your screen, please refer to the manual provided by the manufacturer.
Potential Fix #11: Remove Bluetooth Interference
If you connected your controller to the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console wirelessly, then the Bluetooth connection may be causing the input latency.
To avoid potential interference, you should make sure that your controller has a direct line of sight to the console as there should be no physical object in between the two.
Furthermore, you should avoid having any other wireless devices (such as Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth headphones) near your controller and game console.
Finally, you can also try moving the gamepad closer to the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X system to get a better Bluetooth connection.
Potential Fix #11: Use Wired Connection
You can also try not using Bluetooth altogether and just connect your controller to your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console via a USB cable.
For a wired connection, you will need a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Connect the USB-C end of the cable to the USB-C port of the controller and then the USB-A end of the cable to a USB-A port of the game console. The wired connection should automatically be enabled when the system is turned on.